Systems and methods for multi-modality imaging

Abstract

A medical imaging system is provided that includes a first gantry having a plurality of first detector units coupled within a bore of the first gantry such that the first detector units form a first field of view (FOV) of the first gantry. The first detector units are configured to acquire SPECT data. Further, the medical imaging system includes a second gantry having a plurality of second detector units coupled within a bore of the second gantry such that the second detector units form a second FOV of the second gantry. The second detector units are configured to acquire x-ray CT data. The second gantry is positioned adjacent to the first gantry. The medical imaging system also includes a patient table movable through the bores and a controller unit configured to control a rotation speed of the first detector units and the second detector units around the examination axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for providing a dual-modality imaging system, the method comprising:
 adjoining a first gantry having a plurality of first detector units configured to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data and a second gantry having a plurality of second detector units to acquire x-ray computed tomography (CT) data such that a common bore is formed through each gantry along an examination axis, wherein the first detector units are coupled within a portion of the common bore formed through the first gantry; 
 positioning an object on a patient table that is movable through the common bore along the examination axis; 
 positioning the first detector units in an imaging position when the object is positioned at a field of view (FOV) of the first detector units, when in the imaging position the plurality of the first detector units are configured for rotational movement along a sweep range transverse to the patient table; 
 acquiring SPECT data of the object; 
 positioning the object into a FOV of the second detector units; and 
 acquiring x-ray CT data of the object. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein a collimator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of first detector units, the plurality of first detector units individually movable including translational movement towards or away from the patient table. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the FOV of the first detector units and the FOV of the second detector units are less than 50 cm apart. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first gantry comprises a plurality of arms that move radially inward or outward relative to the common bore, wherein the first detector units are coupled to the plurality of arms. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first gantry is positioned in front of the second gantry such that the patient table moves within the FOV of the first detector units before entering the FOV of the second detector units when moving along the examination axis. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second gantry is positioned in front of the first gantry such that the patient table moves within the FOV of the second detector units before entering the FOV of the first detector units when moving along the examination axis. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 4 , wherein each arm includes at least two of the first detector units. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first detector units are positioned in a retracted position during the acquisition of the SPECT data.